MP’s meeting at Evri hub

BARNSLEY East MP Stephanie Peacock met with controversial Evri bosses this week to discuss residents’ serious concerns around the site – and she’s inviting locals to take part in a panel with them.

The Hoyland site is Europe’s largest parcel distribution hub and has resulted in large-scale demonstrations from angry campaigners.

However, it has been lauded by Barnsley Council bosses as a ‘way out of poverty’ amid rising foodbank use and record-breaking levels of benefit claims.

Evri’s state-of-the-art Hoyland facility, dubbed ‘Colossus’, cost £60m and now dominates the view from the M1. It opened earlier this year amid years of controversy from residents who felt their views weren’t being heard. Ms Peacock said she understands the concerns of the residents and this week met with bosses to discuss them.

She said: “Over the last three years I have met, and exchanged emails, with many residents, including campaign groups, regarding ongoing issues with the development.

“These have included the loss of green space, the overbearing nature of the development, concerns around increased traffic, road closures and pollution. I have followed up these concerns and raised issues with both the council and the government and relayed appropriate responses to residents.

“As most residents are aware, the actual planning process which led to the development of Evri’s warehouse was a matter for the local authority and the government planning inspector who signed off the land for development at Hoyland Common. However, I did raise the issue of how undemocratic the current government’s planning process is and how it is biased towards developers in Parliament in June last year.”

Ms Peacock surveyed a large number of homes to find the main concerns from residents – and Evri bosses are open to conversation.

She added: “A range of issues were raised which included dust and air pollution, traffic issues, jobs and job security and environmental issues.

“I raised these issues when we met, and they are keen to respond to them, and work with the local community. As you may be aware, Evri have agreed to set up a residents’ forum to meet to discuss ongoing issues. This will be organised by the three sitting councillors in the area who will be arranging meetings to ensure Evri are listening to the issues that matter most to residents.”

If you want to be a part of the panel, email stephanie.peacock.mp@parliament.uk.